Key Lighting

What is Key Light in Films?Key light is one of the most important lighting setups in any photography or film project. It has a major influence on the way the shot looks and feels. Without a single dialogue, key light can transform any scene from happy and cheerful to mysterious.What is the Purpose of a Key Light?A solid understanding of key light is important to achieve different moods in a film shot. It is the primary source of light for the scene. Its strength, angle, and colour are determined by the way the cinematographer wants to present the lighting design.The key light usually focuses on the main subject in a shot at an angle. One of the primary purposes of doing so is to drive the viewers’ attention to the character or an object. Different ways to use a key light in a shot are1. Diffused for soft lighting2. Bounced off the wall or a board to create a softer light spread3. Harsh shadows by moving the light further away from the subject4. Different angles to achieve various moods in the shot